Most often defined as a woman who holds an influential position in a particular sphere, Gstaad is most certainly the grande dame of the Bernese Oberland.  At once elegant and refined, she has managed to keep the natural beauty that still seduces admirers both young and old.

Pretty as a Picture

Speaking of admirers, I’m not afraid to gush about our Profile interview with the grande dame of contemporary art, Georges Marci.  In the 1970’s Marci opened Gstaad’s first art gallery at her Chalet Saqqarah. With some unexpected encouragement from Ernst Scherz, Marci helped pave the way for Gstaad’s stature as an Alpine art mecca. Today, her work focuses on Middle Eastern art, and the role it can play in fostering social and political change.

As usual, this first winter issue of GSTAADLIFE is awash with off-season news. From local politics to new store openings, our expanded Local News section covers the action—big and small—you might have missed in the past few months. 

Bigger or Better?

If good things come in small packages, then the New Year’s Music Festival in Gstaad is no exception. Juggling the titles of artistic director, career pianist, and Princess is no easy feat, but Princess Caroline Murat (a.k.a. Caroline Haffner) seems to manage beautifully. This year her team shows us why up-and-coming talents and established professionals musically mingle here during the most festive week of the year. 

Speaking of small packages, the chalet at No. 1 Victoriastrasse has been transformed. Inside you’ll find offers for every inch of you, head to toe. Feast your eyes on artwork or designer clothes at the PopUp space; quench your thirst at GLOW juice bar; pamper your nails at The Nail Stop!, or put something pretty on one of those newly manicured fingers at the newest reincarnation of the Chalet Jewels, now known as Jill’s Jewels.

Haven’t had your dose of baubles and beads? Walk further up the Promenade and pay a visit to the luxurious Graff boutique, the company’s first stand-alone shop here in the Saanenland. 

I take back what I said earlier…is some cases (like the cases of exquisite diamonds on display here) maybe bigger IS better.

Food for Thought

Gstaad now boasts a Big Green Egg, the grande dame of American grilling that boasts NASA technology.  And it’s no surprise that the Ermitage Hotel now claims steaks that are out of this world. But that’s not all the food news in this issue. We visit the Saanenland’s “Gourmet Zone” label, in hommage to its stellar results on this year’s Gault Millau listings. 

Last but not least, I’m pleased to announce a grand upgrade to our www.gstaadlife.com website. Those familiar with our sister publication, the Anzeiger von Saanen, will notice we now share the same type of platform. The site will feature short news up dates and photos several times per week, in an easy-to-read format. When you subscribe to our print or online edition, you’ll have access to longer articles as well.  As always, our archives are free and fully accessible, and the perfect place to catch up on past issues of the magazine.

Whether you’re celebrating quietly in front of a roaring fire or playing Santa with a symphony excited children’s squeals, I’d like to wish you all a very grand holiday season.

Happy reading,

Alexis Munier

Editor in Chief